Norman J.

Peterson

Bassett — Norman John Peterson, 81, of Bassett, died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.

Visitation was held Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 at the Bassett Methodist Church in Bassett.

Visitation was continued on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 at the church in Bassett.

Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 at the church in Bassett. Pastor Jenice Epp officiated. Music was provided by JoAnn Swanson.

Pall bearers were Travis Dillon, Jered Saar, David Saar, Marco Dillon, Justin Peterson and Shawn Shaul.

Burial was in the Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery in rural Bassett.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Hoch Funeral Home in Bassett was in charge of the arrangements.

Norman was born April 14, 1944, to John and Hazel (Frauen) Peterson at Ainsworth. Four years later, brother Wayne joined the family. Norm grew up at Sparks on the family ranch, he loved to ranch and farm and was on a tractor every chance he got. He attended grade school at a rural country school and graduated from Valentine High School. 

After school, he moved to Lincoln and worked as a carpenter but soon realized that city life was NOT for him. Norm returned to the Sparks area and then later moved to Rock County. 

In 1988 he married Gwen (Saar) Dillon and acquired two teenage children with this union. He loved these children as his own. 

Norm and Gwen moved to Holt County and worked for a farmer/rancher for 22 years and along the way acquired a small cow herd. Later, he bought a truck and trailer and hauled grain in the local area. Due to health issues, he was forced to retire and sell his truck.   

Norm and Gwen then choose to return to Bassett to be closer to family and soon learned that camping was their new enjoyment. They went on many family camping endeavors and also spent a couple of winters in Arizona.

Norm is survived by his wife Gwen of Bassett; one daughter Kimberly Wright of Atkinson; one son Travis (Heidi) Dillon of Bassett; one brother Wayne (Donna) Peterson of Valentine; five grandchildren Karissa, Gabby, Josh, Marco and Hannah Rose; two great-grandchildren Milo and Ophelia; three brothers-in-law Mark (Marie) Saar, Gary Saar and Michael Saar, all of Bassett; along with several nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Hazel Peterson, one granddaughter Tressa Wright and one sister-in-law Faye Saar.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.